Capsule Dispensing Assembly With Desmodromic Ejection Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing assemblies for beverage preparation machines are complex and unreliable in ejecting exhausted capsules, particularly due to intricate mechanisms for coordinating the movement of ejector members with pod holders.
Innovation Solution
A compact dispensing assembly with a desmodromic mechanical connection between the ejector stem and actuation linkage, allowing for controlled capsule loading and ejection without the need for springs or other energy storage elements, ensuring reliable capsule extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a gear transmission with non-circular cross section is used to coordinate the movement of the ejector member with the pod holder, then the ejector member can be actuated during the movement of the pod holder, but the device becomes relatively complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ejector member actuation function from the complex gear transmission system. Instead of using the gear transmission to coordinate ejector movement, the invention directly acts on the ejector member through a simple actuator that pushes it against the capsule bottom, eliminating the need for complex coordinating mechanisms while maintaining effective ejection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than using the pod holder movement to drive the ejector member through complex transmissions as in prior art, the invention inverts the approach by independently actuating the ejector member during pod holder movement. The ejector is activated by a separate actuator that operates in conjunction with the pod holder's natural movement cycle, reversing the causal relationship between these components
2Reliability
If springs or other energy storage elements are used in the ejection mechanism, then the ejector can be reliably actuated, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector member is designed to be self-actuated during the natural reciprocating movement of the pod holder. The actuator simply provides a pushing force against the ejector at the appropriate moment in the cycle, and the ejector's own position and the pod holder's movement provide the necessary timing and force delivery, eliminating the need for external energy storage elements like springs
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical energy storage systems (springs, accumulators) with a direct actuation system that uses the pod holder's own movement cycle to deliver ejection force. The actuator applies force directly to the ejector member, which then transfers this force to the capsule bottom, substituting complex energy storage mechanics with a simpler direct force application mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
A dispensing assembly (30) for a machine for the preparation of liquid products using capsules includes: an injector device (50), for introducing into a capsule (10) water and/or steam under pressure; a capsule holder (40), facing the injector device (50) and designed to receive the capsule (10); and an actuation linkage (80), for causing displacements of the capsule holder (40) between a spaced position and a close position with respect to the injector device (50). The dispensing assembly (30) further comprises ejector means (70), which are designed to push the capsule (10) towards the outside of the capsule holder (40) according to the displacement of the capsule holder (40) towards its spaced position from the injector device (50). The ejector means (70) are mechanically constrained to the actuation linkage by means of a mechanical connection.